Current Update on the Diagnosis, Management and Pathogenesis of Elastofibroma Dorsi

Abstract

Elastofibroma dorsi is an uncommon benign fibroblastic pseudotumor that typically occurs in the subscapular region of middle-aged or older individuals. The pathogenesis is still unclear and a matter of debate. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a first-line investigation of the lesion and reveals a lenticular soft-tissue mass with a signal intensity similar to that of skeletal muscle interlaced with strands of fat. Biopsy is not necessary if all pathognomonic criteria are present. A conservative "wait and see" attitude is reasonable and immediate surgery is no more the standard treatment of elastofibroma dorsi. This review provides an updated overview of the diagnosis, management and pathogenesis of elastofibroma dorsi. We also discuss recent advances in our understanding of genomic alterations in elastofibroma dorsi.

Keywords: Elastofibroma; diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging; management; pathogenesis; review.